Incidence of Occult Inguinal Hernia Diagnosed with Ultrasound in Patients with Groin Pain

Inguinal Hernia is one of the most common problems affecting the population coming with groin pain. Objective: To find the incidence of occult inguinal hernia diagnosed with ultrasound in patients with groin pain. Methods: Descriptive study was conducted at Gilani Ultrasound Centre. Data of 200 participants were designated done with suitable sample method. Data were analyzed by SSPS version 24.0. Results: Out of 200 male patients the Mean Age ± SD ratio is 23.1±15.7. 38(19%) patients presented with pain bilaterally, left sided pain was presented in 43(21.5%) patients and right sided pain was presented in 119(59.5%) patients. In 25(12.5%) patients occult inguinal hernia was detected and in 175(87.5%) patients occult inguinal hernia was not detected. In 2(1%) patients occult inguinal hernia was detected bilaterally, in 6(3%) patients occult inguinal hernia was detected on left side and in 17(8.5%) patients it was detected on right side. The mean size of the defect on right side was 2.24 and on left side was 5.0. Conclusions: Study concluded that occult inguinal hernia detected in 12.5% patients and majority of them were young adults. Due to the sensitive nature of groin ultrasound, patients may be referred for it if the results of the clinical examination are inconclusive or negative.